Hodgson sorry for 'monkey' joke

The England manager has apologised after a comment made at half time during the 2-0 win over Poland. Roy Hodgson is believed to have used a joke about a space monkey to encourage right back Chris Smalling to pass the ball to Andros Townsend.

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Former England striker Gary Lineker has tweeted that the national team's manager, Roy Hodgson, is "neither a racist nor a comedian" after criticism of a joke he made at half-time during a World Cup qualifier against Poland.

Kick It Out, the campaign against racism in football, have backed the FA's statement in support of England coach Roy Hodgson after his half-time joke during a World Cup qualifier against Poland.

The Kick It Out campaign has backed the FA's statement of support for England coach Roy Hodgson Credit: Nick Potts/PA Wire/Press Association Images

The campaigners said they were "pleased" the matter had been investigated swiftly by the FA, adding: "If there has been no complaint on the back of the investigation then the matter can only be deemed as concluded."

FA Chairman Greg Dyke said Roy Hodgson "is a man of the highest integrity, an honourable man who is doing a great job with the England team. He has and deserves the full support of The Football Association".

In a statement on the FA website, Dyke added: “He has made clear there was no intent to say anything inappropriate, and he was certainly not making any comments with any racist connotation. Importantly, he has apologised for any unintended offence that may have been taken."

The FA said it had not received any complaints from the players after talking to the squad "extensively" to determine whether they had any problems with Hodgson's behaviour.

“He has fully explained to us what he said and the point he was making to the players in the dressing room at half-time on Tuesday night," Dyke said.

Equality group Kick It Out have called for an investigation into comments made by Roy Hodgson at half time of England's 2-0 win over Poland.

Hodgson, 66, told a joke about an astronaut and a space monkey to illustrate the need for Chris Smalling to get the ball to Andros Townsend in the second half.

Roy Hodgson has apologised for any offence caused by his half time joke Credit: PA Wire

In a statement, the group said: "Kick It Out, football's equality and inclusion campaign, recognises and shares the concerns of the parties who felt mindful to bring the comments into the public domain.

"The matter has been raised by the Chair, Lord Herman Ouseley, directly with The Football Association (FA), who acknowledges the apology made by Roy Hodgson, and now seeks an investigation to ascertain the full facts and ensure a similar situation does not arise again."

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England manager Roy Hodgson has apologised after making a joke about a space monkey and winger Andros Townsend during half time of the 2-0 win over Poland.

Hodgson is believed to have used the joke about a space monkey to encourage right back Chris Smalling to pass the ball to Andros Townsend.

The 66-year-old said: “I would like to apologise if any offence has been caused by what I said at half time. There was absolutely no intention on my part to say anything inappropriate. I made this clear straight away to Andros in the dressing room."

England manager Roy Hodgson Credit: PA Wire

While The Sun newspaper accused Hodgson of making a "race gaffe" which "upset" players, Wayne Rooney defended the England manager against the "ridiculous" story.

The striker tweeted: "Seen the story on roy this morning. He done nothing wrong. This is ridiculous."

The row threatens to overshadow England's qualification for the World Cup which was confirmed after Tuesday's 2-0 win over Poland at Wembley.